Grieving Hessle family 'devastated' at theft of father's medals

Michael Burrows served in the military for 31 years, including as a combat medic in the first Gulf War

The family of an Army veteran from East Yorkshire whose medals were stolen shortly after his death have said they are "devastated" at the theft.

The medals were taken on Saturday from the home in Hessle of Michael Burrows, 68, a former medic with the Parachute Regiment, who died just weeks ago.

His family and friends have offered a reward of £600 for their safe return.

Mr Burrows' daughter, Toni, said he "literally put his life on the line to serve, that's why he had those medals".

She added: "We've not even barely started grieving my dad's passing and only brought his ashes home on Friday, then somebody has broken in and stolen the things that meant the most to him.

"That's a massive part of who he was and it's how we remember him."

The medals were taken along with other items of memorabilia, such as pocket watches and several Zippo lighters - including one with Para wings, one inscribed to "Dad" and one featuring Jimi Hendrix.

Ms Burrows said it was believed they were stolen on Saturday from a bar her father had built in an outbuilding at his home.

"My dad said he wanted his ashes to be in a cocktail shaker so that he was always behind the bar," she said.

"So we brought him into the bar and his closest friends, myself, my brother and our children, had a little celebration of his life."

Family and friends, including Mr Burrows' daughter Toni (above), have offered a reward for the return of the stolen items

The break-in was only discovered on Sunday morning after the family realised the lock on the outbuilding had been broken, Ms Burrows added.

"The biggest loss to us are his medals, because he got those for serving his Queen and country."

Mr Burrows had served in the military for 31 years, including as a combat medic in the first Gulf War, his daughter said.

"Our father literally put his life on the line to serve and that's why he had those medals. If nothing else, we just want those back."

Humberside Police said investigations into reports of a burglary at a property on First Lane in Hessle at the weekend were continuing.

In a statement, a force spokesperson said: "These items are of extremely sentimental value to the family.

"We would appeal for them to be handed in as soon as possible so that we can return them to their rightful owners."